|
||||
|
Operations 2002 was another successful year for the Police in partnership with the community in its fight against crime. The overall crime situation remained stable despite a slight increase of 3.9 per cent over 2001 to a total of 75,877 crimes reported in 2002. This level of crime was actually the second lowest in the past five years. During the year, a number of notable achievements were made. The Force focused on three key areas, namely violent crime especially those involving genuine firearms, psychotropic drug activities involving young persons, and triad and other organised crime activities. Those situations in which firearms were used were successfully contained at a low level. The number of incidents of robbery at high-risk premises decreased and the number of burglaries reported also fell. Furthermore, the number of young persons arrested for offences involving psychotropic drugs dropped by almost 24 per cent. Outside the three key priority crime areas, an area of concern was the increase in the number of 'quick cash crimes', such as street level robberies, deceptions, snatchings and thefts. The Force was able, however, to identify, target and instigate effective enforcement action on a number of occasions. As
crime becomes more global in nature, the Force continues to strengthen
its ties with neighbouring and overseas law enforcement agencies. Several
joint operations and intelligence sharing initiatives with Mainland
authorities led to significant seizures of drugs as well as a large
number of arrests. In March 2002, the Force hosted the Transnational
Organized Crime Conference in Hong Kong, which was attended by over
500 local and overseas delegates. This greatly enhanced international
cooperation in the fight against triads, narcotics, money laundering
and cyber crime. Commercial Crime The Commercial
Crime Bureau (CCB) is responsible for taking enforcement action and
preventive measures against serious fraud, counterfeit and forgery,
and technology crime. In view of the enactment of the Securities and Futures Ordinance in 2002 and other government measures to enhance corporate governance and the regulation of the financial markets, the Force began to foster closer ties with various agencies such as the Securities and Futures Commission, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited. In today's global and networked environment, IT crime can both strike from anywhere in the world and target anywhere in the world, thus requiring multi-jurisdictional co-operation. To this end, the Force has begun to develop a round the clock incident response network with the local banking industry and overseas law enforcement agencies. In 2002, the Technology Crime Division (TCD) of CCB increased its resources and expanded to a division of 60 officers. In September 2002, the computer forensics laboratory in TCD began full operations to handle digital evidence from both stand alone personal computers and large computer networks. The demand for computer forensics examinations and digital evidence recovery in support of investigations into conventional criminal cases continued to increase in 2002. Over 300 computers were subjected to examination during the year. Narcotics The Force continued its stringent efforts to combat psychotropic substance trafficking and abuse, registering considerable success in halting the previously escalating problem. As compared to 2001, there was a 24 per cent decrease in the number of young persons arrested in respect of psychotropic substance cases. Arrests in relation to heroin offences were also down by around 8 per cent. Existing links with our Mainland and Macau SAR counterparts were fully used in tackling the drug problem in a regional context. As a result of such operations there were substantial seizures of drugs before they could reach the consumer level. In the international arena, the Narcotics Bureau (NB) played a significant role in the successful conclusion of several transnational trafficking investigations. Financial investigations were also vigorously pursued to deprive traffickers of the proceeds of drug crime. In this respect, NB again worked in close cooperation with several overseas agencies to ensure that there is no safe haven for traffickers or their financial gains wherever they may be located. Organised Crime and Triads During the year, intelligence-based proactive operations mounted by the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB) resulted in a series of special achievements. OCTB neutralised three gun gangs and seized four firearms, thereby ensuring that the intended criminal enterprises could not function. In a series of covert operations the Bureau also netted 113 active triad members. Of significance were the arrest of 17 senior triad office-bearers during a settlement talk, and the arrest of 121 triad members during a 'show-of-force' incident. A total of 106 related charges were laid against the arrested suspects. Targeted activities were extended to areas where the main sources of income of the triads and organised crime syndicates originate. 'Operation Firelily' in May 2002 was the highlight of OCTB's efforts against cross boundary vice syndicates. With full support from all parties concerned, including the Guangdong Public Security Bureau and the Macau police authorities, the syndicate head, his 157 members and 120 prostitutes were netted. Substantial disruption was also caused to the triads in their illegal gambling activities. The continuation of 'Operation Crowbeak' (anti-soccer bookmaking) led to the closing down of 74 bookmaking centres, with the arrest of 131 bookmakers and the seizure of $59 million in cash or betting slips. On the loan sharking and illegal debt collection front, a total of five syndicates were neutralised and 60 members were arrested as a result of prolonged covert investigations. Locally in 2002, the court ordered the confiscation of $10.5 million of crime proceeds and the restraint of over $111 million pending court orders that await the completion of trials. The results of this enforcement represent a holistic approach to addressing triad activities and related organised crimes. Not only does the Force combat such illegal activities but it also confiscates the funds that arise from these activities. Criminal Intelligence The Criminal Intelligence Bureau (CIB) has been responsible for a number of successful intelligence-led operations against organised crime syndicates involved in firearms and triads, particularly syndicates that operate across internal boundaries and international borders. In 2002, the Bureau was heavily committed in neutralising a major cross-boundary vice syndicate and implementing a strategic, multi-phase response to illegal soccer gambling associated with the World Cup. The tactical element of the anti-soccer gambling operation spanned a number of months and involved close liaison with law enforcement agencies in the Mainland, Macau, Singapore and Malaysia. Crime Prevention The Crime Prevention Bureau (CPB) promotes the principles of self-protection through the provision of free, target-specific security advice to a wide spectrum of professional bodies. In 2002, the success of this strategy was seen in the greater use of technology to thwart a spate of robberies on armoured cash movements. Other successful ventures in advising the public about domestic security and juvenile victimisation were the Crime Prevention Bus and the Robotcop. As a result of CPB's joint efforts with the security industry, the number of false alarms continued to fall, saving more than 7,000 Police man-hours in 2002 alone. Liaison The Liaison Bureau (LB) acts as a co-ordination centre in dealing with all police-related inquiries from other police organisations and local consulate officials. The Liaison Division is responsible for liaison with Mainland police authorities. Since 1990, 223 criminal fugitives, 168 stolen vehicles and 116 containers had been returned to Hong Kong from the Mainland. The Interpol Division represents the Force in the International Criminal Police Organisation (ICPO), better known as Interpol, as a sub-bureau of the China National Central Bureau. A Hong Kong police officer is seconded to the ICPO General Secretariat in Lyon, France to work in one of its specialised groups. Forensic Support During the year, the Identification Bureau (IB) continued to contribute quality forensic science support service to the Force and other law enforcement agencies. Great emphasis was placed on efficient crime scene attendance, whereby scene of crime officers attended 89 per cent of crime scenes within 45 minutes of being called. This, coupled with utilisation of updated technologies at the crime scene and in the fingerprint laboratory, and with the computer assisted fingerprint identification system, led to the identification of 1,733 suspects in relation to 1,571 cases. With the implementation of the DNA legislation on July 1, 2001, the Bureau has also assumed responsibility for a dedicated cadre of officers, trained and certified by the Government Laboratory for the collection of DNA samples from both crime scenes and persons on a 24-hour basis. The Forensic Firearms Examination Bureau continued to play an important role in the investigation of firearm-related crimes by improving its quality of services to the Force and other disciplined services. It is now a full member of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD). Mutual co-operation with forensic laboratories in the Mainland and Macau SAR has been established for the investigation of cross boundary crimes involving the use of firearms. Police Tactical Unit The primary role of the Police Tactical Unit (PTU) is to provide the Commissioner of Police with a readily available reserve of manpower that has been specially trained and can be quickly deployed to deal with an internal security situation. PTU's ability to deal with large crowds played a vital role in the smooth running of a number of major international events held in Hong Kong during 2002; for example, the 16th World Congress of Accountants and the Forbes Global CEO Conference. PTU officers were also involved in a number of Government-wide exercises designed to test the response to a simulated terrorist threat, major incidents and disasters. In pursuit of continuous improvement, PTU maintains close liaison with overseas counterparts to exchange experience, develop new policing techniques and identify advanced equipment. During 2002, training staff of PTU visited overseas police units in Malaysia, Australia, the United Kingdom, the USA and Canada. Bomb Disposal The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Bureau is responsible for all bomb disposal work in Hong Kong. In 2002 the Bureau dealt with 186 cases, ranging from World War II shells and grenades to home made Improvised Explosive Devices and hoax anthrax incidents. The wide range of specialist areas, including counter terrorist response, which the Bureau handles, requires a heavy emphasis on training and the development of international contacts. As part of this effort, officers from the EOD Bureau maintained a vigorous overseas counter terrorist training exchange programme. Operators from both the United Kingdom and the USA attended counter terrorist bomb disposal exercises run by the EOD Bureau during the year, highlighting the Bureau's standing as one of the finest such units in the world. Counter Terrorism Apart from strengthening our intelligence exchange with Interpol and other overseas law enforcement agencies, various enhanced security measures were put in place for the purposes of prevention of terrorism, the protection of sensitive premises and the reassurance of the public at large. In late 2001, a working group was set up to review all major terrorism-related contingency plans. A set of operational guidelines, including a training video, on how to deal with a number of possible threats was put into practice, and chemi-cover protective suits were acquired and distributed to frontline operational units. Two major counter-terrorism exercises were conducted during the year, including a Government-wide chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear exercise in April, and a Force-wide counter-terrorism exercise at the Hong Kong International Airport in December. Through these important exercises, various Force contingency plans were tested and reviewed, and necessary improvements were identified and acted upon. Illegal Immigration The Force is responsible for policing the Hong Kong side of the land and sea boundaries with the Mainland to prevent illegal immigration. Arrests of illegal immigrants have declined steadily since 1993, with a significant decrease in the year under review. As a result of effective intelligence gathering and Police operations, a total of 5,362 illegal immigrants, 36 per cent less than in 2001, were arrested. Stringent measures have been taken to tackle the problem including the commission of two operational barges at Deep Bay and the completion of a major up-grade to the Border Fence Protection System, as well as continuing close liaison with the Guangdong Border Defence Bureau. Operational Support The Field Division is responsible for co-ordinating policy matters relating to firearms, equipment, uniforms and operational procedures with a view to enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of frontline duties. A full review of police uniforms was finalised during 2002 and allowed for a newly designed functional working dress to be piloted in the Airport and Mass Transit Railway Districts and by Emergency Unit and Traffic officers based on Hong Kong Island Region. After a successful pilot scheme in 2001, beat patrol officers were equipped with mobile radio phones to enhance communications during 2002.Transport During the year the Mercedes Benz Sprinter, a new patrol vehicle with an ergonomically designed interior, was introduced for Emergency Units. The vehicles meet with the latest European Community standards for passenger safety and exhaust emissions. All regions have now been equipped with new Regional Mobile Command Units. Complete with a continuous power supply for prolonged operational use, the new vehicles demonstrate a marked improvement in both passenger and occupational safety. Traffic Hong Kong continues to have one of the highest vehicle densities in the world, registering 308 vehicles per kilometre of road in 2002. During the year the number of vehicle registrations increased to 593,551, the majority of them being private cars, with a monthly average increase of 312. Maintaining a smooth traffic flow and reducing the number of traffic accidents continued to be a major challenge to the Traffic Police. Traffic accidents in 2002 showed a marginal year-on-year decrease. Although the number of casualties rose slightly, fatalities (half of which were pedestrians) recorded the lowest figure for 43 years. Police continued to take stringent enforcement action against offences related to bad driving. To further reduce the number of traffic accidents and enhance community awareness of road safety, Police Road Safety Officers organised a variety of road safety publicity activities during the year. The Road Safety Council's website (www.roadsafety.gov.hk) was launched in November 2002 to provide one-stop on-line road safety information service to the public. The enactment of new legislation on the proper use of vehicle headlights and hazard warning lights has considerably enhanced the safety of drivers and other road users. To reinforce the need to drive at safe speeds and to deter red light jumping and speeding, Traffic Police were able to employ 12 red light cameras and eight speed enforcement cameras at accident black spots. In addition, the Force equipped 47 vehicles with video systems to enhance evidence gathering in regard to speeding and poor driving. All traffic summonses and fixed penalty prosecutions are processed by the Central Traffic Prosecutions Bureau. During 2002 there was a decrease in the overall number of traffic contraventions by 12 per cent over 2001. The year was also a busy one for the Traffic Management Bureau, which was heavily involved in examining traffic implications associated with New Town developments, major new road and rail systems, town planning proposals and long-term transport studies. Licensing As part of the Police Licensing Office's initiatives to further ensure public safety involving arms and ammunition, about 900 previously approved modified firearms used in the film industry were required to be re-examined in phases during 2002 by Forensic Firearms Examination Bureau before receiving approval for use during filming. To maintain the level of integrity of workers in the security and guarding services industry, the Office continues to reject applications and to revoke security personnel permits if the applicants or holders are considered not appropriate to hold such permits. At present, there are about 204,000 valid permits. In 2002, the Office rejected about 600 applications and revoked about 500 permits. To relax the scope of control in respect of legitimate massage businesses, the Police, together with other concerned departments, launched a number of initiatives to facilitate their operation. These amendments to the legislation came into effect in December 2002. With a view to enhancing fire and public safety in karaoke premises, a statutory licensing system was formulated in the newly introduced Karaoke Establishment Bill. Public order and safety at rave parties has attracted strong public concern and a number of Government departments have worked together to produce suitable amendments to the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance. Public Relations The Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) plays an important role in explaining Police work to the media and the public, strengthening relationships with them in order to enlist their support in helping the Police maintain law and order. Police Community Relations Officers attached to different districts work closely with representatives from Government departments and organisations to help promote the wide range of quality Police services. During the year, the Secondary School Liaison Officers Programme and the Junior Police Call (JPC) Scheme continued to serve as bridges between the Police and youngsters. At the end of 2002, the membership of JPC stood at 149,633. In conjunction with RTHK, the Force also produces two weekly television programmes; namely, the 30-minute Police Magazine in Cantonese, and the five-minute Police Report in English. Both programmes continued to enjoy high ratings throughout the year. Police telephone hotlines and Crime Information Forms provide convenient channels for crime reporting. For the first time, the Force introduced a dedicated hotline 3111 3366 for members of the taxi industry to report crime-related information and intelligence. A total of 13,372 hotline phone calls (not including those made to the emergency hotline 999) as well as 2,332 returned Crime Information Forms were registered respectively at year-end, resulting in 204 arrests. To commend Hong Kong people's initiatives in helping the Police fight against crime, the Police held two Good Citizen Award Scheme presentation ceremonies in June and December, with sponsorship from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. Information relating to Police activities is disseminated to local and overseas media organisations round the clock. During the year, officers seconded from the Information Services Department (ISD) handled 297,470 media enquiries, issued 3,576 press releases, organised 246 press conferences and briefings and assisted media coverage at 302 major scenes of crime and other incidents. Information Officers at PPRB also worked closely with their counterparts in the ISD and representatives from other Government departments as well as the Fight Crime Committee in planning and implementing the Fight Crime Publicity Campaign 2002/03 with two themes, namely "anti-shop theft" and "anti-burglaries." In an effort to continue recruiting high calibre men and women to join the Force, the Police Recruitment and Publicity Campaign 2002/03 was rolled out with the slogan 'Honesty, Courage and Lifetime Commitment ---- Determined to Ensure Hong Kong Remains the Safest City'. Officers from PPRB attended the First Forum on Police Public Relations held in Beijing at the end of October. The forum, attended by some 60 delegates from law enforcement agencies from the Mainland, Macau and South Korea, was impressed by the Force's experience in fostering better mutual understanding with the community and in winning public support for the maintenance of law and order. Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force The Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force (HKAPF) consists of 4,375 officers who come from all walks of life. They perform a variety of operational policing duties such as crowd management, key point defence and beat duty, as well as undergoing regular and comprehensive training. The HKAPF is fully integrated with the regular force and the Auxiliary Support Bureau acts as a one-stop shop to assist in the administration, management and training of the HKAPF. |
||||
| [go to top] |